Station Breaks: The Best New Songs From NPR Music Stations

As part of NPR Slingshot, public radio's emerging artist spotlight series, we're kicking off Station Breaks, a monthly list that features a diverse selection of songs from new bands, all hand-picked by NPR's public radio network.

Songs from this month will be available to stream on the NPR Slingshot Spotify playlist, at the bottom of the page. Enjoy and discover these big songs by not-so-big bands.

Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, "Fake Buddha's Inner Child"

Leo Bud Welch, "I Come To Praise His Name"

Until he passed away in Dec. 2017, Leo "Bud" Welch blended the blues with gospel music. His music captures the tension between Saturday night and Sunday morning, where the only sanctity to be found is in the beat of the bassline. — Bruce Warren, WXPN - Philadelphia, PA

YouTube

Maxo Kream, "Meet Again"

Barred from visitation, Maxo Kream wrote letters to his friends and family in prison. What makes them so extraordinary is just how normal they are. — Justin Barney, Radio Milwaukee - Milwaukee, WI

YouTube

Nicola Cruz, "Arka"

Nicola Cruz's music reflects his fascination with Latin American cosmology. He evokes the landscapes, rituals and roots of South American identity. — Aaron Byrd, KCRW - Santa Monica, CA

Orville Peck, "Dead of Night"

The mystery that surrounds the persona of Orville Peck is only eclipsed by the entrancing vibe of his debut album Pony, led by the haunting single, "Dead of Night." — Russ Borris, WFUV - New York City, NY

YouTube

SASAMI, "Not The Time"

Jangly, dreamy, and loud, this track comes from former Cherry Glazerr member Sasami Ashworth's (a.k.a. SASAMI) self-titled solo debut, due out in March. — Jerad Walker, OPB - Portland, OR